In the second of our series profiling the seven shortlisted contenders for the title of European Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Golf is under the spotlight
Why is it a contender?
Any new version of the Golf was almost assured of a place in the final shakedown, such is its importance within the motoring curriculum. This is the sixth version of the Golf and probably the least evolved. With Volkswagen keen to cut costs, there has been a lot carried over from the previous generation, including most of the engines and underpinnings. There are new looks, though, and cleaner engines.
Who is it aimed at?
In a word - everyone. The Golf is one of those cars that appeals to young and old and to various social strata, which accounts for its huge sales: 25 million since it was launched in 1974. The Golf has eco-engines for the green-conscious and at the top end there will be a new V6 version next year.
What's under the bonnet?
The traditional 1.4-litre engine soldiers on, but thanks to our new CO2 emissions laws, it may no longer be the default choice. The 1.4-litre 80bhp engine is joined by a 102bhp 1.6-litre, and two versions of the 1.4-litre TSI, one with 122bhp (it has a turbo) and a range-topping twin-charger version (it has a turbo and a super-charger) with 160bhp.
The choice of diesels will be a 2.0-litre TDi with 110bhp and returning 119g/km of CO2, meaning it will be a Band A car, and a second 2.0-litre TDI with 140bhp, which will be a Band B car returning 129g/km.
March will see the introduction of a 1.6-litre diesel engine with 90bhp and there will also be a top-of-the-range 170bhp TDi. There will be a new GTi next year with 208bhp from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
What's it like to drive?
Very similar to the last one, although that really isn't a bad thing. The basic petrol engine version is a bit weedy but beyond that you can't go too far wrong. The 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine is quite good and the 122bhp version is one of the better all-rounders. The diesels will make sense from the point of view of running costs, with the 110bhp 2.0-litre TDi and March's 1.6-litre diesel making the best buys. The Golf is a comfortable, well-balanced, high-quality car.
Why it might win
Quite simply because it is the Golf and that makes it one of the most important new cars to be launched in years, even if it doesn't appear to be that different. It has a new design at least, and some of the engines are cleaner.
Why it might not
Because it really hasn't moved the game on that much and that is something the jurors take into account. Some might say this "new" Golf is nothing more than a facelift, and other models, such as the Fiesta, have really moved their segments on.
How much?
Expect a starting price of €22,000 for the entry-level 1.4-litre 80bhp version, and €24,000 for the 110bhp 2.0-litre TDi. We would opt for the latter, or the 122bhp 1.4-litre TSI if you must have your car in January, with the 1.6-litre diesel making the soundest buy if you can wait until March.
Is it worth it?
For Golf buyers, who will no doubt flock to this new model in droves, then yes, it is worth it. Although there are no dramatic changes apart from what you can see, the new diesel engines in particular will make sense, as they will be low CO2.
What is it up against and does it match up?
The main rivals are the Opel Astra and Ford Focus, with others such as the Toyota Auris/ Corolla and Seat Leon in the chasing pack.
For loyal Golf buyers there are really no rivals. It matches up against the rest in terms of quality, but isn't as good-looking as the Leon and not as fun to drive as the Focus.